“Former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman announced late Thursday on Twitter that he won’t run for political office in 2014. Coleman announced earlier this year that he would not run against DFL Sen. Al Franken. Now, he’s ruled out a run for governor.”

“The Senate Thursday night passed its version of an online health insurance marketplace expected to serve more than one million Minnesotans. Lawamakers will meet in coming days to resolve differences in the House and Senate bills.”

“The House Elections Committee backed a wide-ranging bill that would increase contribution and spending limits for candidates for statewide office and Legislature and require more disclosure from groups that spend money to influence elections.”

“Amid the ongoing lockout of orchestra musicians, 100 lawmakers asked for a legislative audit of the orchestra’s finances. They say the public has a right to know how the orchestra’s spent $16 million in public money the past two years.”

Lack of skilled workers only part of Minn. jobs problem (MPR News)

“In nursing, industrial engineering and manufacturing production in Minnesota, many employers indeed have had difficulty filling positions but often for reasons only partly attributable to lack of skilled worker, a new state report finds.”

Most in the House Civil Law Committee say they will vote to repeal state law defining marriage as between opposite-sex couples only. The bill is set for hearings next Tuesday in the House panel and in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“The Atlanta Falcons must pay 80 percent of a new $1 billion NFL stadium. That, along with an electronic pull tabs stadium financing shortfall, is prompting one lawmaker to consider whether the Vikings stadium deal should be reconfigured.”

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton hosted a private breakfast Thursday with Archbishop John Nienstedt and Catholic Bishops from around Minnesota, but according to the governor, they did not spend a lot of time discussing same-sex marriage.

Nienstedt was a leading supporter of last fall’s failed campaign to amend the state constitution with a ban on same-sex marriage. Catholic leaders are now lining up against the proposed legislation to legalize gay marriage in Minnesota.

Dayton said only aspects of the issue came up, including a concern about being punished for applying their religious principles.

On other issues, he said the archbishop supports a minimum wage increase and more funding for families on public assistance. Dayton said he also heard concerns about the impact of proposed anti-bullying legislation on private schools. — Tim Pugmire